battlement
nounUK [ˈbætəɫmənt]
Etymology From Middle English batilment, from Old French bataillement, earlier bastillement (“fortification”), from bastillier (“to fortify, to equip with battlements”), from bastille (“fortress”) (see bastion). By surface analysis, battle + -ment.
1
In fortification: an indented parapet, formed by a series of rising members called cops or merlons, separated by openings called crenelles or embrasures, the soldier sheltering himself behind the merlon while he fires through the embrasure or through a loophole in the battlement.
- Towers, and battlements it sees Bosom'd high in tufted trees, Where perhaps some beauty lies, The cynosure of neighbouring eyes.1645, John Milton, L'Allegro:
2
Any high wall for defense.
3
Poetic The towering roof of heaven.
- Synonyms
- crenellation
- Derived terms
- battlemented